2007 35TE - Refit

[ShipMC]

I have a 2007 35TE that I bought used in 2008. I love the boat but it's becoming unreliable, and I probably haven't kept up on full maintenance the way I should have (I'm not very mechanical, so it's more having the yard mechanics address issues as they come up as opposed to proactively maintaining and rebuilding). Twin Cummins 2007 QSB5.9 380HP diesel engines. I keep the boat in Mamaroneck harbor in NY Long Island Sound.

I would love to commence a comprehensive refit but I don't really know where to start. Basically want the engines (1800 hours) overhauled and redone, any integral seals/fittings/etc. that require replacement or refurbishment after 18 years fixed, new AC units, new generator, redo electronics, reconfigure the helm station, gelcoat, etc. Basically put some serious money into the boat to give me another 10 or so worry free years. I am sure this is an expensive process.

I think the bones of the boat are good. I'm looking for feedback as to whether this even makes sense, and how one would go about commencing a project like this. Resources, checklists, recommendations for who could do this, and any other advice would surely be appreciated. Thanks.

[REBMystic]

I have not done this on my Albin but have contemplated most of the stuff you listed you want done. There are some things you wanna do at the same time. If you wanna get the engines back to top shape, I expect it's best to pull them out and have then done in a shop. With those out, you can clean & paint the bilge, and get easy access to all sorts of stuff to repair or replace. That would be the most significant amount of work and $. Generator probably second in cost and complexity. Gelcoat / paint next in cost. Helm + electronic can have a very wide range in cost! . Fridges should be pretty easy. Weekend of work, etc. But you can choose to rip the Band-Aid off and do it all at once, or schedule it out over a couple of year. I am currently chipping away at my punch list. Luckily everything is pretty reliable, so have gotten full use of boat the 2 summers I have had mine so far. I am interested in hearing everyone's thoughts.

[Jkraft]

My 2 cents- if you have the funds, find a competent yard that can handle the full scope of the project and get to work. There are a few options down on the Chesapeake but that is a run for you. Whatever number you are thinking…. Double it and be ready for many surprises. Ask me how I know….

[Sisu22]

I would think that the most expensive prospect is rebuilding the engines. Are you sure that is needed? I think the QSBs are good and it may not be necessary to do a full teardown unless you have reason to believe that is really needed. For a lot less money, you could test / replace turbos, pumps, exchangers, accessories without pulling the engines and get peace of mind on reliability.

Next most expensive would be gelcoat and paint. Not sure if you've had a quote on it, but I'd imagine you're looking at $40-60K to do a proper paint job on a boat of that size. For a small fraction of that you could get someone to restore the gel coat, if there is enough left.

[REBMystic]

I would think that the most expensive prospect is rebuilding the engines. Are you sure that is needed? I think the QSBs are good and it may not be necessary to do a full teardown unless you have reason to believe that is really needed. For a lot less money, you could test / replace turbos, pumps, exchangers, accessories without pulling the engines and get peace of mind on reliability.

Next most expensive would be gelcoat and paint. Not sure if you've had a quote on it, but I'd imagine you're looking at $40-60K to do a proper paint job on a boat of that size. For a small fraction of that you could get someone to restore the gel coat, if there is enough left.

To support on the gelcoat - I have 2001 blue hull and I went at it this last spring. 3M, heavy compounding, medium, then polish. Brought it back well. I'll plan to do medium and polish again this spring to bump it up a bit more. I definitely had enough gel coat.

Compounding in progress.jpg

done waxing.jpg